New Zealand lowers the price cap on Russian oil to $47. 6 per barrel. The country also introduced the 32nd package of sanctions against Russian entities involved in cyberattacks against Ukraine.
A 6. 0 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on August 31, killing over 1,400 people and destroying 5,400 homes. An expert explained that the region is seismically active due to the friction of tectonic plates, and local buildings do not meet safety standards.
The US has narrowed access to information regarding negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, prohibiting the sharing of full intelligence with its "Five Eyes" allies. This decision has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of cooperation and national interests.
New Zealand will spend $1. 6 billion on five MH-60R naval helicopters and two Airbus A321XLR aircraft. This is the largest investment since the decision to modernize the outdated equipment of the defense fleet.
Representatives of the "coalition of the willing" discussed security guarantees for Ukraine. Leaders reaffirmed the need for continued support for Ukraine in the war with Russia.
Today, August 18, marks International Pinot Noir Day and "Never Give Up" Day. Also celebrated are Birth Control Pill Day, Bad Poetry Day, and the Day of Remembrance of Martyrs Florus and Laurus.
South Korea's construction sector has been recognized as the most dangerous among OECD countries with a rate of 1. 6 deaths per 10,000 workers. This is twice the OECD average.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the start of construction of a new settlement, which is intended to divide the West Bank and cut it off from East Jerusalem. This step, he said, will block the creation of a Palestinian state.
The EU and over 24 countries are calling on Israel to urgently allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The humanitarian situation in the region has reached a critical level, with 2.4 million residents at risk of starvation.
Ukraine has become one of the first countries in the world where Starlink Direct to Cell technology has started working, allowing direct satellite communication without additional equipment. This technology will allow Ukrainians to stay connected via SMS even without mobile network coverage.
Australia plans to recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September. This decision was made after receiving commitments from the Palestinian Authority regarding demilitarization and recognition of Israel.
Germany, Italy, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand condemned Israel's plans for Gaza. They called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid.
A 27-year-old woman was detained in New Zealand for transporting a two-year-old girl in a suitcase on a bus. The driver noticed movement in the luggage, which led to the discovery of the child, who, according to preliminary data, was suffering from heat.
New Zealand is introducing a fee of up to 40 New Zealand dollars for foreign tourists to visit popular sites. This is expected to generate 62 million New Zealand dollars annually, which will be invested in these facilities.
Ukrainian law enforcement officers announced suspicion to the governor of Russia's Voronezh region, Oleksandr Gusev. He is accused of financing actions aimed at changing Ukraine's borders.
France and 14 other states signed a joint statement calling on the world to recognize the Palestinian state. This happened after a conference in New York aimed at reviving the two-state solution.
A number of countries issued a joint statement, calling on Israel to cease hostilities in the Gaza Strip due to the suffering of the civilian population. The Israeli Prime Minister's advisor called this statement a "delusion" that sends Hamas a "wrong and dangerous signal" because it does not pressure the group.
Heavy rains and winds have hit New Zealand, causing floods and landslides. A state of emergency has been declared in the Nelson-Tasman region, and authorities are urging evacuation.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon. They discussed investments in the production of military equipment in Ukraine and an initiative against Iranian "Shaheds".
The Gallie family is selling Shuna Island in the Hebrides after 80 years of ownership. The island, almost 500 hectares in size with castle ruins, a farm, and holiday homes, is priced at 5.5 million pounds.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has canceled his participation in the NATO summit in The Hague due to "various circumstances," including the unlikelihood of meetings in the Indo-Pacific Quad format and with US President Donald Trump. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will still attend the event.
On June 24-25, a NATO summit will be held in The Hague, where the main issues will be a new defense budget of 5% of GDP and the war in Ukraine. Spain has expressed reluctance to increase spending, and a meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council is not planned.
Ukraine will direct over UAH 22 billion in partner funds to reconstruction, of which nearly UAH 18. 5 billion from JICA will go to medicine, education, agriculture, humanitarian demining, and municipal services. Another UAH 2.2 billion from the EU is allocated for port infrastructure modernization, and UAH 1.4 billion from JICA for energy sector restoration and demining.
New Zealand has announced an aid package for Ukraine totaling 16 million New Zealand dollars, equivalent to over 9 million US dollars. These funds are intended for military and humanitarian aid, as well as to support Ukrainians displaced to neighboring countries.
Donald Trump plans to meet with leaders of Indo-Pacific countries during the NATO summit in the Netherlands to expand security cooperation. The meeting will discuss coordination of actions and defense spending, which NATO plans to increase to 3.5% of GDP, and with additional indicators to 5%.
President Zelenskyy instructed Ukrainian diplomacy to conduct a "month of pressure on Russia" to increase the cost of war and limit Russia's ability to produce means of terror. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha emphasized that the diplomatic system is mobilizing efforts ahead of the EU and NATO summits, expecting determination from partners, particularly the US, regarding sanction pressure.
Ukrainian track and field athlete Vitaliy Rymaruk died on the front line. The man was a Ukrainian champion in discus throw among youth and a prize-winner in adult competitions. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
New Zealand has imposed new sanctions against 18 individuals and organizations supporting Russia's military efforts, as well as against 27 vessels of Russia's "shadow fleet". The restrictions are aimed at supporters from North Korea, Iran, and Belarus.
New Zealand authorities have allowed the use of psilocybin to treat therapy-resistant depression. Only experienced psychiatrists will be able to prescribe the drug under strict rules.
49-year-old monumental and decorative art artist Mykhailo Klymchenko died on the front lines. He created mosaics and stained glass windows for temples, in particular in Putyvl, Kharkiv, and Kyiv.
